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Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace one or both expansion bay fans in your Framework 16" laptop.

Note: the laptop used in this guide is a generic setup of one US keyboard, one numpad module, and two touchpad spacers. Your setup might vary, but the procedure should remain the same.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

    • If your repair requires a spudger, a T5 Torx, or a Phillips screwdriver, you can use the included Framework screwdriver. Whichever works best for you!

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.

    • The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad spacer toward the bottom edge of the laptop and unclip it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the corresponding Input Module latch is properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad spacer off the laptop and remove it.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad toward the bottom edge of the laptop and disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the Input Module latches are properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad and remove it.

    • During reassembly, perform the following:

    • Place the touchpad flat on its cutout so its clips are properly aligned.

    • Press the touchpad down and slide it into place so it lines up evenly with the bottom edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • The keyboard is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the keyboard violently eject.

    • Grip the two pull tabs along the bottom of the keyboard.

    • Lift the pull tabs until the keyboard magnets release.

    • Remove the keyboard.

    • During reassembly, make sure the keyboard is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits evenly with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • The numpad is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the numpad violently eject.

    • Grip the pull tab at the bottom of the numpad.

    • Lift the pull tab until the numpad magnets release.

    • Remove the numpad.

    • During reassembly, make sure the numpad is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the interposer door by its black pull tab and let it rest upright.

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 9, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 9, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • If you have the graphics module installed, your interposer will have four screws. Otherwise, you'll have three screws.

    • Lift the pull tab on the interposer and let it rest vertically to access all of its screws.

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the three captive screws securing the interposer.

    • If you have the graphics module, use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the four captive screws securing the interposer.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the interposer by its pull tab and remove it.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the expansion bay screws: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the expansion bay screws: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws securing the expansion bay.

    • Close the interposer door before continuing.

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the expansion bay: step 12, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the expansion bay: step 12, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the expansion bay: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Close your laptop and flip it over.

    • Slide the expansion bay out of the laptop and remove it.

    • The bay should slide out easily. If you feel any resistance, check that the screws holding it in place are fully loosened.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Disconnect the fan: step 13, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Disconnect the fan: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger, or a clean fingernail, to lift up and release the locking tab on the fan ZIF connector.

    Edit

  15. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to grip the brown pull tab and slide the fan cable straight out of its socket.

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the fan screws: step 15, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Loosen the fan screws: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the four captive screws securing the fan.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the fan: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the fan: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Expansion Bay Fan Replacement, Remove the fan: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Use one hand to press the fan cable flat to the module.

    • Use your other hand to pull the fan out of its housing, making sure to thread the cable though its slot.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers Community for help.

Author

with 1 other contributor

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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